Curiosity is a superpower in the workplace
Photo by Justin Peterson on Unsplash
This disruption that COVID-19 has caused to workplaces has had many people reviewing their relationship with the workplace. Whilst they know there is something wrong, they just can’t put their finger on what it is and don’t know where to start to make changes. In response to this, I developed my M.A.G.I.C Framework that outlines the core drivers that will support us to change this relationship for the better. M.A.G.I.C is the acronym I use for Meaning, Authenticity, Ground Rules “I” and Curiosity. Today we are going to look a little bit more closely at Curiosity.
Photo by Justin Heap on Unsplash
‘Curiosity’ stems from having seen all the ways workplace communication can go awry. I’m often astounded by the assumptions we jump to and how quickly this can escalate workplace tensions. The simple act of asking a question, thus getting a better idea of what is going on for the other person, is nothing short of transformational. This is why I see Curiosity as a superpower. In recent years as we have learned more about the brain and how it works, I have also seen how Curiosity can help us sidestep the amygdala hijack that throws us into fight-and-flight mode while moving us towards greater understanding and collaboration, which is workplace gold.
This is why I always talk to my clients about having a question in their back pocket. Something they can use when a conversation goes awry, or news catches them off guard. It might be:
I did not see it like that tell me more about that
That never occurred to me I would like to understand more
Can you explain to me a little more how you would see that playing out
All of these questions buy you a little bit more time if you are feeling you have been attacked or you are just feeling on the back foot. They also open the conversation up rather than shut it down, which is what happens when we let our amygdala run the show. I think we can all recognise that this is not going to be helpful in supporting workplace relationships!
What is the question you could have in your back pocket?
Next week we will consider how we can try and open our minds more to Curiosity as a way of helping work to work again.
Photo by Etienne Girardet on Unsplash